Covexin 8 clostridial vaccine for sheep and cattle-Hyperdrug

Presentation A fluid vaccine, with a precipitate which resuspends on shaking. Contains Lamb Dysentery Vaccine BP (Vet), Struck Vaccine BP (Vet), Pulpy Kidney Vaccine BP (Vet), Braxy Vaccine BP (Vet), Blackleg Vaccine BP (Vet), Tetanus Toxoid (Veterinary) BP (Vet), Black Disease Vaccine BP (Vet), Clostridium haemolyticum (oedematiens Type D) vaccine. The whole is precipitated with potash alum. Thiomersal BP 0.01% w/v is added as preservative. Uses For the active immunisation of sheep against Cl. perfringens (welchii) Type C (Struck/Enterotoxaemia), Cl. perfringens (welchii) Type D (Pulpy Kidney Disease/Enterotoxaemia), Cl. septicum (Braxy), Cl. chauvoei (Blackleg and Post-parturient Gangrene), Cl. novyi (oedematiens Type B) (Black Disease), Cl. haemolyticum (oedematiens Type D) (Bacillary Haemoglobinuria) (bacterial redwater), and Cl. tetani (Tetanus). For passive immunisation of lambs via colostrum of their vaccinated mothers against the following diseases; lamb dysentery/enterotoxaemia (Cl. perfringens Type B), pulpy kidney/enterotoxaemia (Cl. perfringens Type D) and tetanus (Cl. tetani). For the active immunisation of cattle against Cl. perfringens (welchii) Type C, Cl. perfringens (welchii) Type D, Cl. septicum, Cl. chauvoei, Cl. novyi (oedematiens Type B), and Cl. tetani.

Dosage and administration Dose Sheep and lambs over 8 weeks of age: First dose 5 ml, subsequent doses 2 ml. The primary course of immunisation consists of two injections, allowing an interval of six weeks between them. Lambs 2–8 weeks of age, from unvaccinated ewes or ewes of unknown vaccination status: 2 ml initial dose followed by a second dose 4–6 weeks later, with a further dose no later than 6 months after the first dose. Cattle of all ages First dose 5 ml, subsequent doses 5 ml. The primary course of immunisation consists of two injections, allowing an interval of six weeks between them. Administration By subcutaneous injection preferably in the loose skin on the side of the neck, observing aseptic precautions. The container should be shaken well before doses are withdrawn. Vaccination programme: Sheep and Lambs: The vaccine course should be completed at least two weeks before maximum immunity is required. This may be either a period of risk or in pregnant ewes during lambing. Booster vaccination is required at six-monthly intervals for continuous protection but where there is no period of risk in the winter, annual booster vaccination is generally all that is necessary. In lambing flocks, to ensure maximum protection of the lambs until 12–16 weeks of age, previously sensitised ewes are best injected 2 weeks before lambing is due to commence. However, provided lambing in the group will not extend beyond a 6 week period, previously sensitised pregnant ewes may be injected at any time from 6 to 2 weeks before the group is due to commence lambing. In most cases this will result in enough antibodies passing through in the colostrum to give their lambs passive protection against lamb dysentery, pulpy kidney disease and tetanus during the first 12 weeks of life providing the lambs suck normally within 12–15 hours of birth. Lambs born from fully vaccinated ewes should not be given their first dose of Covexin 8 or other clostridial vaccine until 8 to 12 weeks of age since the presence of maternally derived antibodies may interfere with the first dose of vaccine if given earlier. Precise timing will depend on when ewes were vaccinated during the 6 to 2 weeks before lambing and whether lambing extended over a period of more than six weeks. Lambs born from unvaccinated ewes may be given their first dose of Covexin 8 or other clostridial vaccine from 2 weeks of age. Cattle The vaccine course should be completed at least two weeks before maximum immunity is required. Booster vaccination is required at six-monthly intervals for continuous protection but where there is no period of risk in the winter, annual booster vaccination is all that is necessary. However, where a marked challenge with Cl. septicum is considered possible, revaccination at 3-monthly intervals is suggested.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc Contra-indications Do not vaccinate unhealthy sheep or sheep which may be affected by subclinical disease or physiological stress without the advice of a veterinary surgeon. Heavily pregnant ewes receiving Covexin 8 should not be simultaneously or subsequently vaccinated with monovalent pasteurella vaccine during the same pregnancy. Warnings Syringes and needles should be sterilised before use and the injection should be made through an area of clean, dry skin, taking precautions against contamination. Part-used containers of the vaccine should be discarded at the end of the day's operations, as under field conditions it may be difficult to avoid accidental contamination. Used containers should be disposed of by burying or incineration. Side-effects As with any vaccine occasional hypersensitivity reactions may occur. In such cases appropriate treatment such as adrenalin or antihistamine should be administered without delay. Transient local reactions may also occur. Pharmaceutical precautions Store between +2°C and +8°C, protected from light. Do not freeze.

Legal category POM-VPS (previously PML). Packaging Quantities 500 ml, 250 ml and 100 ml flexible packs. Further information Should lambing extend over a period of more than six weeks, the duration of transferred colostral protection in the later-born lambs may be shortened. These lambs should be given their first dose of Covexin 8 from eight weeks of age. In any animal population there may be a small number of individuals which fail to respond fully to vaccination. Successful vaccination depends upon correct storage and administration of the vaccine together with the animal's ability to respond. This can be influenced by such factors as genetic constitution, intercurrent infection, age, the presence of maternally-derived antibodies, nutritional status, concurrent drug therapy and stress. Marketing authorisation number Vm 00201/4205.